Editor’s Note: This is an ongoing series which runs each Thursday morning titled the Richland Chronicles Volume VI, by author Paul Lintern. It is set in the 1860s and tells the story of Richland County through the eyes of young people. This is the sixth in a series. The books are available from Lintern for $25 a set, tax and shipping included. Each book is about 120 pages written for intermediate readers (4th grade) with local illustrations. Volume I is Amelia Changes Her Tune. Volume II is Isaac and Wolf Paw Find Their Home. Volume III is Autumn Keeps Her Secret. Volume IV is Mr. Gamble Starts a School. Volume V is Jacob Blows his Horn.
June 24, 1863
Dear Nate;
I hope you like my poems:
Anyone would be a fool, not to like East Liverpool;
Any hen and any rooster ought to like to live in Wooster.
I don’t think we should be faultin’
A man who likes to live in Dalton.
The waiters always like to serve
A good dessert when in Minerva.
Whoever wants to buy some more
Will find all that they want in Orrville.
Those are just my Ohio selections. I am posting this at the next stop after crossing the Ohio River. I will send you my Pennsylvania selections, soon.
I hope you and Jacob are taking good care of Grandpappy and Papa.
I am excited about seeing Boston.
Your affectionate baby sister, Cassandra
P.S. Thanks for telling Mama about Sheldon, you skunk.
“What are you doing?”
Cassie jumped as the squeaky deep voice broke her concentration.
It was a boy — a tall, red-haired, freckled boy in a plain black suit with a white collarless shirt.
“I am, uh, posting a letter, to my brother.”
“I am sorry to interrupt. I’m Martin. Martin Burns. I saw you here and you seem to be the only person about my age. May I sit down with you?”
Cassie was too startled to consider how hard she would have worked for this to happen if she had noticed him.
“Uh, certainly. My mother will be back shortly, but I’m sure she won’t mind sitting somewhere else.”
Perfect time, Mama, for you to look for the conductor about schedules. Thank you!
Martin sat down.
“I am on my way to visit my grandparents. I’m from Hanoverton now, but we used to live in Pittsburgh.”
“Is that where your grandparents live?”
“No, they live further east, near Harrisburg the capitol. It’s called Gettysburg.”
Cassie shook her head.
“Never heard of it.”
“It’s just a little village, like where I live now. You’ll get to see it though, if you stay on this train.”
“I think we stay on this train. We’re heading to Boston. I guess we get to go through Philadelphia and New York on our way.
“I love those cities. So much history. My grandfather was born in Philadelphia, about the time of the Declaration of Independence,” Martin said.
“Mine was born about then, in Boston.”
“Isn’t that remarkable?”
“I guess,” Cassie said.
He’s making himself right at home.
“What were you telling your brother?” he asked.
That is none of your concern!
“Uh, I was just sending him some little poems I wrote about the towns we’ve gone through.”
“No fooling? I like to do that too,” he said. “Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, hills so high, You live closer to the sky.”
Cassie chuckled.
That’s as silly as mine.
“Very nice.”
“How about this one?” he continued.
“If you come from far or near, you won’t do better than Ligonier.”
“Is that in Pennsylvania?” Cassie asked.
“Yes, ma’am. I beat you to it,” Martin smiled brightly.
He’s cute.
“I have an idea, let’s see how many we can write together. Look I have a train schedule with all the stations.”
“Sounds like fun,” Cassie said, and she meant it.
Mama came strolling back a few minutes later and was surprised to see her seat occupied.
Cassie looked up and gave her best Please-Mama-go-find-another-seatand-don’t-make-a-fuss-about-this look.
Mama read it perfectly and politely introduced herself before taking a seat two rows back.
Thanks Mama. You’re the best.
Martin and Cassie found a plethora of things in common, from siblings and school interests to music and writing hobbies. They even discovered that Martin was exactly three months older than Cassie, and that he helps in a grocery store.
Through most of the day, they talked and wrote poems and told stories and laughed. As they pulled into a station, they would see who could make up a rhyme with that name first, then the other would try to make a better rhyme.
He’s pretty good at this.
And Cassie was surprised that she didn’t mind. When they pulled into Chambersburg, Martin seemed to become quiet.
“This is the last stop before I get off,” he said.
“Grandpa will be at the next stop to collect me.”
Cassie’s heart sank.
Do I dare ask him for his address?
“Listen, Cassandra. May I give you my address, and if you like, please write to me at at my Grandparents’ house. I will be there for a whole month.”
“That would be fine, and I will include my address on the envelope I use,” she said.
That’s pretty coy, I’d say.
Martin smiled.
“Here it is. I look forward to hearing from you.”
Soon the train pulled into the station. Soon Martin was off the train and greeting his grandfather. Soon he was waving to Cassandra as the train pulled away.
Cassie leaned back in her seat, smiling, heart pounding. Something felt very good. She looked at the envelope as though it were a golden ticket.
“Martin Burns, in care of John Burns, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.”
